Comparison: Toaster Oven vs. Wall Oven

Toaster and wall ovens are similar kitchen appliances that can accomplish many of the same tasks. Nevertheless, both options offer different advantages with regard to capacity, speed, cost, and several other factors.

Space

A wall oven holds significantly more food than its smaller counterpart. For example, it can bake a large frozen pizza. Some people use toaster ovens when they run out of space in their wall units.

Size

A toaster oven occupies fewer cubic feet of indoor space. You can store this equipment in a cabinet when it's not needed. On the other hand, wall-mounted appliances conserve counter and cabinet space.

Speed

Smaller units typically preheat faster. They can also adjust the current temperature more quickly. This makes it possible to prepare many meals in substantially shorter periods of time.

Energy

When comparing full-size and toaster ovens, be sure to consider power consumption. Small cooking appliances consume less energy because they heat up faster and don't need as much power to stay warm.

However, a wall unit may save electricity if you normally cook large batches of food. It's more efficient than running a countertop oven several times to prepare a big meal.

Large conventional ovens usually require 220-volt outlets. You might have to call an electrician. On the other hand, you will only need a polarized 110-volt socket to use a toaster oven.

Expense

These two appliances sell at vastly different prices. Some countertop ovens cost under $35. Wall units remain much more expensive; prices typically exceed $1,000. You may also need to pay for installation.

Versatility

Most wall and toaster ovens can reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the lowest temperature setting for a wall-mounted appliance is usually 200 F. Numerous toaster oven models have minimum temperatures of 130 or 170 F.

Many frozen and instant meals supply cooking instructions for both appliances. Nonetheless, a number of products only offer directions for conventional ovens or discourage customers from using countertop ovens.

Controls

Full-size ovens tend to feature more sophisticated controls. Any toaster oven will have a timer, but it may limit the maximum time to 15, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. A few of the very basic models lack thermostats.

Cleaning

The small size of a countertop oven makes the interior surfaces comparatively easy to clean. These units also feature removable crumb trays. You can pull out the metal tray and wash it in a sink.

To sum it up, a toaster oven provides a convenient, affordable way to cook relatively small meals and side dishes. Wall units prove desirable when you have limited counter space or want to prepare large amounts of food.